The common ground between myself and WYEP are so visible and pronounced.
I love and utilize music.
I love and insist upon giving voice to others.
I love and cherish all concepts that swirl around community.
WYEP is launching a new frontier with its new studio and performance space, as I am with new campaigns for public office.
We both are in the South Side. It's new office is on the same street as mine. Welcome.
A new effort to increase donations is brewing there, as about $2-million or more are needed to complete the building and move. I'm gearing up a fund-raising campaign too, but I'm not seeking that much.
Volunteerism is critical, and we both embrace them.
WYEP is a wonderful cause and voice for the commnity. We'll be happy to have them in our neighborhood. Happier still if everyone comes on the bus and dosn't park in front of our garages.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Sala to try to shred First Amendment Rights and limit Public Comment
As an introduction, when I spoke before city council yesterday, I did NOT mention that I was a candidate for State Senate. I had too much else to say. My name, email and an audio snip was part of the CDs I passed to all on council, but that was hardly spoken about in the talk at the podium.
Yesterday, at the end of the meeting, Sala Udin ranted about a few matters including the public comment elements of the meetings. He has introduced new legislation that is to more tightly define what can be spoken from the citizens. I've asked the city's clerk for a copy of the pending bill. When it arrives, I'll post it.
The citizens have three days to submit a petition to call for a public hearing on the bill. That might occur. Perhaps Sala should have called for a public hearing himself.
Twanda C. wants to co-sponsor the legislation too.
On the flip side, Councilman Alan H. said that the public comment should not be vulgar, but anything else needs to be protected.
This matter is coming to a boil, in part, because of some cruel attacks. For example, one citizen noted how Sala was missing at a meeting a few weeks ago and asked if he was at another "funeral." The next day Sala's brother died.
No doubt, trash talk and personal attacks are not welcomed in any realm. Hurtful elements are to be avoided, and I do my best to do so myself. Furthermore, I do my best to fix, right, or touch up when things go nutty on the part of others as I can.
Public officials need a thick skin.
Public comment needs a wide latitudes.
Free speech needs to be free.
Sala hopes to end political campaign mentions at the podium. It can't happen in the real world. And, it should NOT happen.
The crying shame of this all is the fact that Sala can rant on cable tv for minutes and replay some of the slogans first spoken by Tom Murphy. Sala called for ICA (oversight board) to be abolished. Then in the next breath he won't allow for others to make political mentions.
It is time for those who can't play well -- and work well -- with others to quit. QUIT.
All in all, this makes another great example of how we drive people away from Pittsburgh. The people who come before council should be embraced. The people who take the time to give their comments are the ones who have not quit. We care. We are the fighters.
If I was in council, I'd invite everyone who speaks before that body to a monthly or seasonal picnic. Let's all go out and break bread together. Make it dutch. I'd offer a banquet for the friends of Pittsburgh to come and sit among those who you may or may not have had agreement with in the past.
Even as mayor, that would be a great idea and nobel act.
How about a thank you note or email or follow-up phone call to say, "good point, thanks for your input."
Contributors should not be mistreated. Idea contributors are the best kind.
In an on-going matter, another council member, Len B., ranted about the topics of public comment a couple of weeks ago. Len also talked with a great innuendo in his rant. I called his office to seek clarification three or four times. I emailed his office twice. Never a reply. I asked him if he thought any of my comments before city council had ever been out of bounds. I can assume that his lack of reply means of course not. ??? It was a serious question, placed off line, until now.
I don't want to be hailed as a champion of public comment, always sticking to the bills before council and never giving out my web address. But, I do want to point out how the goofyness continues on Grant Street. And, this is another instance when I'll be on the victor's side.
It made sense to set the special election date to May 17, and that was talked about by me in prior weeks. That was on-topic, as it saved the taxpayers $200,000. It makes sense to hit the "mute button" to catch four-letter words. But that's it.
"QUIT" is a four letter word that should be tolerated. Quit trying to shred The Constitution. Quit trying to block the Sunshine Law. Quit ranting yourself while trying to stop others from a small opportunity to share views. Quit walking within the shaddow of Tom Murphy. And, perhaps it is time to quit and move to the private sector Sala. Otherwise, I worry about people voting with their feet and choosing to quit living in Pittsburgh.
Yesterday, at the end of the meeting, Sala Udin ranted about a few matters including the public comment elements of the meetings. He has introduced new legislation that is to more tightly define what can be spoken from the citizens. I've asked the city's clerk for a copy of the pending bill. When it arrives, I'll post it.
The citizens have three days to submit a petition to call for a public hearing on the bill. That might occur. Perhaps Sala should have called for a public hearing himself.
Twanda C. wants to co-sponsor the legislation too.
On the flip side, Councilman Alan H. said that the public comment should not be vulgar, but anything else needs to be protected.
This matter is coming to a boil, in part, because of some cruel attacks. For example, one citizen noted how Sala was missing at a meeting a few weeks ago and asked if he was at another "funeral." The next day Sala's brother died.
No doubt, trash talk and personal attacks are not welcomed in any realm. Hurtful elements are to be avoided, and I do my best to do so myself. Furthermore, I do my best to fix, right, or touch up when things go nutty on the part of others as I can.
Public officials need a thick skin.
Public comment needs a wide latitudes.
Free speech needs to be free.
Sala hopes to end political campaign mentions at the podium. It can't happen in the real world. And, it should NOT happen.
The crying shame of this all is the fact that Sala can rant on cable tv for minutes and replay some of the slogans first spoken by Tom Murphy. Sala called for ICA (oversight board) to be abolished. Then in the next breath he won't allow for others to make political mentions.
It is time for those who can't play well -- and work well -- with others to quit. QUIT.
All in all, this makes another great example of how we drive people away from Pittsburgh. The people who come before council should be embraced. The people who take the time to give their comments are the ones who have not quit. We care. We are the fighters.
If I was in council, I'd invite everyone who speaks before that body to a monthly or seasonal picnic. Let's all go out and break bread together. Make it dutch. I'd offer a banquet for the friends of Pittsburgh to come and sit among those who you may or may not have had agreement with in the past.
Even as mayor, that would be a great idea and nobel act.
How about a thank you note or email or follow-up phone call to say, "good point, thanks for your input."
Contributors should not be mistreated. Idea contributors are the best kind.
In an on-going matter, another council member, Len B., ranted about the topics of public comment a couple of weeks ago. Len also talked with a great innuendo in his rant. I called his office to seek clarification three or four times. I emailed his office twice. Never a reply. I asked him if he thought any of my comments before city council had ever been out of bounds. I can assume that his lack of reply means of course not. ??? It was a serious question, placed off line, until now.
I don't want to be hailed as a champion of public comment, always sticking to the bills before council and never giving out my web address. But, I do want to point out how the goofyness continues on Grant Street. And, this is another instance when I'll be on the victor's side.
It made sense to set the special election date to May 17, and that was talked about by me in prior weeks. That was on-topic, as it saved the taxpayers $200,000. It makes sense to hit the "mute button" to catch four-letter words. But that's it.
"QUIT" is a four letter word that should be tolerated. Quit trying to shred The Constitution. Quit trying to block the Sunshine Law. Quit ranting yourself while trying to stop others from a small opportunity to share views. Quit walking within the shaddow of Tom Murphy. And, perhaps it is time to quit and move to the private sector Sala. Otherwise, I worry about people voting with their feet and choosing to quit living in Pittsburgh.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
My three mentions to city council on Jan 25, 05
I spoke before city council today.
1) Council gave props to two other groups who are doing fine work in terms of benefits for Asia Tsanami. Another concert is planned. It runs from 4 to midnight in the east on the 30th. I spoke quickly about the benefit on Saturday and said I had some extra CDs. I gave a few away to others in the audience and to council, the clerk and the council budget office.
Mindy Simmons is featured on the CD with her song, One World. Mindy performs on Saturday at 8 pm at First Unitarian.
The CDs have 400 images of our trip in 04 to Asia. The next round, version 2.1, is packed with even more.
2) I mentioned that the hockey lock-out was about to end. Games and activities for the Market House are due to start in mid month. More news soon, finally.
3) As for the Mt. Washington outrage and developer struggles, this is proof positive that folks on Grant Street don't generally play well with others. This whole mess should have been settled well before it hit city council. Who is doing the heavy lifting? Who is making cooperation a must-have element in our public life?
Perhaps the zoning board and the commissions should just flake into nothingness. They are not doing their jobs. Take everything to city council for a 5-4 vote.
1) Council gave props to two other groups who are doing fine work in terms of benefits for Asia Tsanami. Another concert is planned. It runs from 4 to midnight in the east on the 30th. I spoke quickly about the benefit on Saturday and said I had some extra CDs. I gave a few away to others in the audience and to council, the clerk and the council budget office.
Mindy Simmons is featured on the CD with her song, One World. Mindy performs on Saturday at 8 pm at First Unitarian.
The CDs have 400 images of our trip in 04 to Asia. The next round, version 2.1, is packed with even more.
2) I mentioned that the hockey lock-out was about to end. Games and activities for the Market House are due to start in mid month. More news soon, finally.
3) As for the Mt. Washington outrage and developer struggles, this is proof positive that folks on Grant Street don't generally play well with others. This whole mess should have been settled well before it hit city council. Who is doing the heavy lifting? Who is making cooperation a must-have element in our public life?
Perhaps the zoning board and the commissions should just flake into nothingness. They are not doing their jobs. Take everything to city council for a 5-4 vote.
AP: Pittsburgh oversight boards squabble
Speaking of not playing well with others, here comes another sucker punch.
Here is the fix. If and when I'm in charge, we fix the problems with a few simple moves. First of all, we need to shine a very bright light on these matters. We need to have open government. We need to have these meetings put on the cable, radio, internet and with open access to all the meeting minutes.
The oversight board, meanwhile, holds a meeting without telling anyone. They've rushed to quick meetings in the past. That blows trust.
Then we are in ugly positions of not having faith in any party.
Jim Roddey was on the radio today, 1360 AM, with Bowyer. I heard some of the conversation. Roddey is worried, and for good reason. The ICA did a report on the firefighter situation. But, where is that report? It was given to the mayor and the Act 47 team. But, was it released to the internet?
We need folks to play well with others. And, we all win when these actions occur out in the open. That is where we have to put our faith. Let's toss the bumbs out. Let's set a new course with new leaders.
AP Wire | 01/25/2005 | Pittsburgh oversight boards squabble over police, fire contracts: "The controversy marks the latest squabble between the authority, whose members were appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, and the Act 47 team, which was created after the state declared Pittsburgh a distressed city in December 2003.
Here is the fix. If and when I'm in charge, we fix the problems with a few simple moves. First of all, we need to shine a very bright light on these matters. We need to have open government. We need to have these meetings put on the cable, radio, internet and with open access to all the meeting minutes.
The oversight board, meanwhile, holds a meeting without telling anyone. They've rushed to quick meetings in the past. That blows trust.
Then we are in ugly positions of not having faith in any party.
Jim Roddey was on the radio today, 1360 AM, with Bowyer. I heard some of the conversation. Roddey is worried, and for good reason. The ICA did a report on the firefighter situation. But, where is that report? It was given to the mayor and the Act 47 team. But, was it released to the internet?
We need folks to play well with others. And, we all win when these actions occur out in the open. That is where we have to put our faith. Let's toss the bumbs out. Let's set a new course with new leaders.
Party switch reported in Trib
We saw this coming for some time.
Those in Harrisburg have been of no help to the city. Now they send us this headache.
Diven plans party switch - PittsburghLIVE.com: "...has told Senate Republican leaders he will switch to the GOP to run for the Senate seat formerly held by Jack Wagner.
Those in Harrisburg have been of no help to the city. Now they send us this headache.
New hotel doesn't guarantee guests
Don't count me among those who think another downtown hotel is going to be Pittsburgh's salvation either.
The impediment in our efforts to rebound as a city and as a region goes far deeper than the lack of a hotel. The closing of the old convention center and the re-building of the larger facility without the hotel was foolish.
Of course the groups that have come need more hotel space near the convention center. That isn't a doubt. But, the convention center is too big. The convention center won't ever be used to its full potential. The convention center's annual costs are going to sink the rest of the region's projects too.
Pittsburgh's elected politicians are and have been chasing the wrong goals. The established priorities are wrong.
Consider that the only time our newest, biggest, best building is used by the kids is when they go to attend a college fair. We take bus loads of our high school students to the convention center. There they meet scores and rows of college recruiters. These recruiters are attempting to lure our high school students to their colleges and universities. In effect, the recuitment fair is about leaving the area. In a sense, we've used our best resource as a tool to catapult our best and brightest to far off places.
Pittsburgh and the region has a brain drain. We have a problem when it comes to the retention of our youth.
When we have successful college fairs for our youth -- we won't have anyone at home. The system is working in the wrong ways.
I have a different plan.
At the outset, the biggest annual event that should occur at the new convention center should be a multi-day Youth Technology Summit. The Youth Technology Summit would be a world-wide event where our people are in the spotlight, and the youth from elsewhere come here to mingle with our brains, businesses, academics, and residents. We don't need to fill the hotels when we have busloads of local kids coming with band directors, coaches, church group leaders, rec advisors, grandparents, artists, mentors, retirees, neighborhood advocates, teachers and more.
There are plenty of splendid opportunities for our entire community to get into the actions of technology literacy.
PG coverage of pending deal.
If recent experiences in other cities are any indication, the new $104 million hotel to be built next to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center may not be the tourism magnet its boosters proclaim it to be.
'I can find no real empirical evidence that the new bunch of hotels has made any difference in the convention center business that we can document,' said Sanders, who has made a career of challenging cherished assumptions of those in the tourism industry.
Rather than boost business, such hotels, particularly in less than robust markets, have the potential to drive down occupancy and room rates citywide, said Sanders, a professor of public administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
His latest findings come as the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority tries to finalize an agreement with Cleveland developer Forest City Enterprises to build a 500-room 'headquarters' hotel next to the convention center.
The Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau sees the lack of such a hotel as an impediment in its efforts to attract business to the architecturally-acclaimed convention center.
The impediment in our efforts to rebound as a city and as a region goes far deeper than the lack of a hotel. The closing of the old convention center and the re-building of the larger facility without the hotel was foolish.
Of course the groups that have come need more hotel space near the convention center. That isn't a doubt. But, the convention center is too big. The convention center won't ever be used to its full potential. The convention center's annual costs are going to sink the rest of the region's projects too.
But Sanders found that new hotels in St. Louis, Sacramento, and Myrtle Beach, S.C., all of which opened in recent years amid promises of increasing tourism, have not lived up to expectations.
In St. Louis, convention and visitors commission officials predicted that a new $265 million, 1,081-room headquarters hotel would boost convention center bookings from 30 a year to 50 or more and would nearly double the number of annual room nights to about 800,000.
But in the two years the new hotel has been opened, that has not happened, according to Sanders.
Twenty-five events were booked for 2003 and 23 were expected in 2004. Convention attendance was 155,700 in 2003, only slightly higher than the 154,800 the previous year. For 2004, it was estimated at 115,300.
Pittsburgh's elected politicians are and have been chasing the wrong goals. The established priorities are wrong.
Consider that the only time our newest, biggest, best building is used by the kids is when they go to attend a college fair. We take bus loads of our high school students to the convention center. There they meet scores and rows of college recruiters. These recruiters are attempting to lure our high school students to their colleges and universities. In effect, the recuitment fair is about leaving the area. In a sense, we've used our best resource as a tool to catapult our best and brightest to far off places.
Pittsburgh and the region has a brain drain. We have a problem when it comes to the retention of our youth.
When we have successful college fairs for our youth -- we won't have anyone at home. The system is working in the wrong ways.
I have a different plan.
At the outset, the biggest annual event that should occur at the new convention center should be a multi-day Youth Technology Summit. The Youth Technology Summit would be a world-wide event where our people are in the spotlight, and the youth from elsewhere come here to mingle with our brains, businesses, academics, and residents. We don't need to fill the hotels when we have busloads of local kids coming with band directors, coaches, church group leaders, rec advisors, grandparents, artists, mentors, retirees, neighborhood advocates, teachers and more.
There are plenty of splendid opportunities for our entire community to get into the actions of technology literacy.
Earl Jones opts out of Mayor's Race, official news
Earl Jones, Dem, leader of a peace on Earth campaign, retired, candidate for public office in many races in the past, told me HIMSELF, he is NOT going to run for mayor in 2005.
This news means Dave Copeland, http://www.DaveCopeland.com, a former Trib reporter and editor, is now back in play. Dave made mention in past blog postings elsewhere that he was one who was leaning toward tossing his support to Mr. Jones. I'm not sure if Earl's pull for Dave was because of his 'family values' stance or his full head of grey hair, despite being in his 70s.
I'm sure Earl is NOT going to run. Last week I broke bad news on the blog about another fence sitting candidate who is skating around these days.
Earl feels can can do more for everyone's benefit if he stayed out of the race and kept all his options open.
Once Earl ran a race against Tom Flaherty and nearly won the Sq. Hill neighborhoods, while getting 26% of the vote. (Earl told me that too.) Go to work fact checkers, please.
Earl's wife, bless her heart, passed away last year.
The one to wear the biggest smile on this news has to be County Councilman, Rich Fitzgerald. Earl seldom speaks without getting in a slam or dig against him.
This news means Dave Copeland, http://www.DaveCopeland.com, a former Trib reporter and editor, is now back in play. Dave made mention in past blog postings elsewhere that he was one who was leaning toward tossing his support to Mr. Jones. I'm not sure if Earl's pull for Dave was because of his 'family values' stance or his full head of grey hair, despite being in his 70s.
I'm sure Earl is NOT going to run. Last week I broke bad news on the blog about another fence sitting candidate who is skating around these days.
Earl feels can can do more for everyone's benefit if he stayed out of the race and kept all his options open.
Once Earl ran a race against Tom Flaherty and nearly won the Sq. Hill neighborhoods, while getting 26% of the vote. (Earl told me that too.) Go to work fact checkers, please.
Earl's wife, bless her heart, passed away last year.
The one to wear the biggest smile on this news has to be County Councilman, Rich Fitzgerald. Earl seldom speaks without getting in a slam or dig against him.
Movies at Pitt
One student group I'm hopeful of working with is holding some special event movies on campus. Here is another if you see the comments. Its tonight.
State tries to quiet conflict over city oversight
State tries to quiet conflict over city oversight: "City Councilman Sala Udin yesterday called for abolishing the state-appointed board altogether."
If the state was interested, folks like John Pippy, Jane Orie, Jeff Habay, (hope I didn't just swear), and others who are elected to both houses (i.e., state reps and state senators), would be around here once in a while. We are a wasteland to these people.
Where are these people? Not to be found or seen or heard of.
The best way to quiet the conflict, so it seems all to often, is to ignore it. That is the standard mode of operation for them. The plan is to ignore and it will go away. Well, the city is going away. The city has been ignored.
If we just take away some of the downtown office buildings and put in a few subsidized apartments, then the urban core will be a suburban homestead. Then those who want to ignore will get their way.
On the other hand, when there is someone who does pitch a fit -- it comes from the wrong perspectives. A tootless watchdog barking up the wrong tree isn't helpful, Sala.
Sala ignores the gross overspending that has been a part of the deals cut by the administration. Sweetheart deals that aid others and pound the taxpayers are ignored. Face the facts -- on all sides.
To me, here is how it works. The oversight board is a lot like those faceless folks who are behind the cameras behind the tinted domed ceiling fixtures in a Las Vegas casino. Trouble points include the fact that Roddey and the others on the ICA have not been "faceless." The cameras need to be everwhere. They need to watch everything. But the time to be noticed most of all is when the culprits are being taken away in handcuffs. That's when the guys behind the cameras should come out for a statement.
We need oversight inside of city government. For 21 years our controller has been Tom Flaherty. So, it is a real joke to see his arch rival, Jim Roddey, pulled into that job on the ICA Board. And, it is a double gas to see Flaherrty gear up to run for the position of mayor.
I welcome those cameras (like in the casinos) within the halls of government. I don't like the casinos or slots parlors coming to town, but do like the oversight.
The ICA staff (and board) and Act 47 team need to be fiscal watchdogs that INSURE that the city stays on the straight and narrow. Watch the payments, contracts, spending and budgets. Watch the incomes, taxes, collections and under utilized assets. When things break down, despite repeated pushes to walk the line -- get out the handcuffs. Toss the uncooperative out of there.
Pittsburgh is in a big pickle because we've had far to many elected politicians who can't play well with others. As Sala calls for the abolishing of the state-appointed board altogether -- he proves the point that he can't play well with others too.
It is time to toss him out too.
This is a great time to clean house. The oversight boards and Act 47 team is on the job, we hope. I crave the opportunity to work with them. With the overlords around, the next mayor gets on board a city and helpers are to either side.
Leading Pittsburgh in 2006 is going to be much like riding a bicycle with training wheels.
Sadly, the biggest trouble won't be the bike, its training wheels nor the energy level of the participants. I see the real trouble in the road ahead -- full of potholes. The city has enough money to repave only four miles of roads in 2006. Our city's surfaces are about to crumble.
We'll need nimble leadership and helpers.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Global Warming Debate at DU Law School, 6 pm, Jan 27
Should the United States continue to reject the Kyoto Protocol on Global Warming now that Russia has ratified?
Patrick Michaels, author of The Satanic Gases, Clearing the Air About Global Warming says Yes!
Donald Brown, author of American Heat says No!
Decide for yourself!
Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 6 pm, Duquesne University Law School, Room 204
Our Hockey Lock-out To Resolve Soon
The South Side Market House is a city-owned Recreation Center that should be home to kids playing hockey on the gym floor three times a week from 4 to 7:30 pm. The season has not started -- but the delay is about to end.
If you are looking for news about the city's only indoor ice-hockey facility and the saga of the now three year old lock out -- sorry. Nothing to report.
If you are looking for news of the Penguins of the NHL -- sorry.
Summary: There have been three hockey lockouts. One is about to resolve.
A meeting was held at the end of last week at the Market House. The hockey season's registration will occur on Feb. 11. The season will start soon after. Details shortly. Days are slated for Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This fall we played indoor soccer at the Market House on a M-W-Th schedule with three age groups and parent/volunteers running ths show. The ten week season was a great success. We had our own insurance, banquet, jerseys, officials, and visit from the head coach of the Riverhounds too.
The city is now in the process of a 'call back' for the former Citipark employees. Some are gone, moved, retired, while others are waiting to see if they'll get their job back. Some of the Rec Centers are to open. The state of flux, I imagine, was caused, in part, by the staffing and employment issues.
The Market Housse is NOT one of the rec centers that is going to open. But, the city will make a new partnership the the Market House Childrens' Athletic Association, a booster group. I'm on the board there -- but I don't speak for the board or the organization. I just speak for myself, as an engaged dad and citizen who is happy that the facilities are going to be opened for the kids.
Official news to come shortly. We'll be getting the one-page handout to the local schools shortly. Calls are going out to those who have signed up in advance based on the fall season too.
Furthermore, additional adult volunteers are welcome. Parents are expected to help with fundraising and the program's operation from coaching to clean up to organizational help.
If you are looking for news about the city's only indoor ice-hockey facility and the saga of the now three year old lock out -- sorry. Nothing to report.
If you are looking for news of the Penguins of the NHL -- sorry.
Summary: There have been three hockey lockouts. One is about to resolve.
A meeting was held at the end of last week at the Market House. The hockey season's registration will occur on Feb. 11. The season will start soon after. Details shortly. Days are slated for Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This fall we played indoor soccer at the Market House on a M-W-Th schedule with three age groups and parent/volunteers running ths show. The ten week season was a great success. We had our own insurance, banquet, jerseys, officials, and visit from the head coach of the Riverhounds too.
The city is now in the process of a 'call back' for the former Citipark employees. Some are gone, moved, retired, while others are waiting to see if they'll get their job back. Some of the Rec Centers are to open. The state of flux, I imagine, was caused, in part, by the staffing and employment issues.
The Market Housse is NOT one of the rec centers that is going to open. But, the city will make a new partnership the the Market House Childrens' Athletic Association, a booster group. I'm on the board there -- but I don't speak for the board or the organization. I just speak for myself, as an engaged dad and citizen who is happy that the facilities are going to be opened for the kids.
Official news to come shortly. We'll be getting the one-page handout to the local schools shortly. Calls are going out to those who have signed up in advance based on the fall season too.
Furthermore, additional adult volunteers are welcome. Parents are expected to help with fundraising and the program's operation from coaching to clean up to organizational help.
Crime alert program to aid South Side residents, businesses
Crime alert program to aid South Side residents, businesses: "'NAN should be a reference tool -- a repository of information,' Evankovich said."
This is my type of organization and organizational thinking. I've been excited to be a part of these efforts so far. I've got more to inject. We need to work together, and these folks understand that and what's at stake otherwise.
Good article. We've got a lot of heavy lifting to do, throughout the city. Hope you have the energy to do your part, where ever that may be.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Chess match: Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda -- playing chess
Got the ball inside the five, 14-points down and fourth down.
Time to play chess.
See comments for more insights.
Time to play chess.
See comments for more insights.
Pittsburgh mayor likes Valley bar
Pittsburgh mayor likes Valley bar: "The mayor of Pittsburgh apparently is a Cave Creek fan.
Researchers: Help.
Is there a list of Steeler bars on the net? Or, can it be emailed to me? Pointers are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Researchers: Help.
Is there a list of Steeler bars on the net? Or, can it be emailed to me? Pointers are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Whispters shout back
Will John Kerry run again? The ball is in Teresa's hands - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Diven likely would face one of three Democrats if he won the Republican nomination: Allegheny County Treasurer John Weinstein, county Councilman Wayne Fontana or Pittsburgh Councilman Jim Motznik."
Diven, if he gets the nod, he'll be certain to face me, Mark Rauterkus. Certainty should be part of the discussion in the real world. It can be absent in the whispers realm.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Diven switch won't make opponent pull the plug - PittsburghLIVE.com
Diven switch won't make opponent pull the plug - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Mark Rauterkus, of the South Side, is running for the seat as a Libertarian."
Snow: Calliope concert off but Tsunami Relief Event is on.
The Calliope concert was nuked. But that was yesterday and not snow related.
Our swim meet was also called off, but that was 24 hours ago as folks were smart and looking ahead.
Update as to the benefit concert follows:
Our swim meet was also called off, but that was 24 hours ago as folks were smart and looking ahead.
Update as to the benefit concert follows:
All;
As my dad the pilot used to say, we're having some weather. As of right this minute (10ish Saturday morning) South Side is strangely quiet, not even quiet but more kind of.... muffled?... but there are still cars and people and buses, so the city does not seem to have shut completely down yet.
As far as tonigh, do what you can. If you cannot get to the theater, it's understood completely. If you can get to the theater, I don't know what kind of audience, if any, to expect. We just have to see what happens. We have ten cases of beer, so maybe we'll just sit around drinking with each other until I decide it's a good time to unearth my old burlesque routines and demonstrate that "In The Hall Of The Mountain King" from Grieg's PEER GYNT is, indeed, a good song to strip to.
I'm en route to the theater now and will be there through the early afternoon. If anything changes I'll send another e-mail. Hopefully I’ll see all y'all tonight. I mean, it’s just snow.
Lissa
Friday, January 21, 2005
Major blunder. Sorry. Source crashes. Bill didn't say he's out. Correction.
Bill Peduto's message from the 14th Ward meeting on Tuesday was presented wrongly on this blog yesterday. Sorry.
Peduto is still considering a run for the mayor's office.
Sorry again.
I got a de-brief on the meeting from someone who attended. The translation from source to this blog broke down. After seeing the mention at the DFA blog (thanks)-- I called the office and got the straight story.
Bill will decide and make an announcement in mid-Feb. He'll have to run for his city council office and the mayor's office at the same time.
Peduto is still considering a run for the mayor's office.
Sorry again.
I got a de-brief on the meeting from someone who attended. The translation from source to this blog broke down. After seeing the mention at the DFA blog (thanks)-- I called the office and got the straight story.
Bill will decide and make an announcement in mid-Feb. He'll have to run for his city council office and the mayor's office at the same time.
Song: One World by Mindy Simmons
This song is the first to be put out as part of the campaign. It is owned and written by Mindy Simmons. We have permission to pass along the song as part of our efforts.
Mindy is performing again in Pittsburgh on Saturday, January 29. She'll do a radio show with SLB (see below) and then a concert at 8 pm at First Unitarian in Shadyside as part of the Legends series with Caliopie. Mindy's concerts in Pittsburgh this past summer were great. She played at the Green Tree Swim Pool as part of the Rotary Community Picnic, delivered a Sunday Service concert / performance, and played at Club Cafe too.
To listen to the song or get a copy for yourself, there are a number of ways to make this happen. The best way -- attend the benefit concert on Saturday night.
Mindy is performing again in Pittsburgh on Saturday, January 29. She'll do a radio show with SLB (see below) and then a concert at 8 pm at First Unitarian in Shadyside as part of the Legends series with Caliopie. Mindy's concerts in Pittsburgh this past summer were great. She played at the Green Tree Swim Pool as part of the Rotary Community Picnic, delivered a Sunday Service concert / performance, and played at Club Cafe too.
The way I feel, well it makes me scared, When I think about what’s going on over there,
I find myself thinking of the babies, see they don’t know that the whole world is going crazy
They don’t know of their father’s anger, but they’ll soon be witness to their mother’s sorrow
And they’ll grow up in the same oppression, and we’ll find their lives reflect their brother’s aggression
One World, when will we see?
Now I can say, each and every day, I’m learning more and more about the need to pray
I find myself thinking of the families, as their whole world crumbled with the steel and concrete
Yes they well know what can come of anger, and we all are witness to their pain and sorrow
But we must grow and we must be strong, and we’ve got to find a way to right this wrong
One World, when will we see? If we will have our Peace we must accept diversity.
And we must agree to be able to disagree,
without the bombs, without the fear, without suppression of idea,
Without the greed, without the need to snuff out the tallest, or victimize the smallest,
we must foresee, One World in Unity.
One World, One World
Now If I could reach into the hearts of those who hate me and whose views are worlds apart.
Well I’d try to show my own philosophy, to be one in which each point of view is free to be.
And, they would know, of my strong conviction, that each human life has every right to freedom.
And that I’ll go to every length and no matter what it takes this world will be that vision.
One World, what can we do? If we will have our Peace it’s up to me and you.
And we must agree to be able to disagree, without the bombs, without the fear, without suppression of idea,
Without the greed, without the need to snuff out the tallest, or victimize the smallest,
we must foresee, One World in Unity.
One world,
same earth, same sky, same mountain ranges, same water supply,
same God, same love, One Love, one world, one world, one world
To listen to the song or get a copy for yourself, there are a number of ways to make this happen. The best way -- attend the benefit concert on Saturday night.
Oversight board accuses city of pursuing fat deals with police, fire unions
Here is another reason why it is so dangerous and unhealthy to allow Tom Murphy and his cast to remain in office. We need to get them into the private sector. Waiting for 2006 is going to really hurt. And the real hurt isn't felt yet.
The healing for this city and the region happens when we get new people in office and these people have new priorities.
Tough love counts here. And, the unions need to know that the people are worthy of playing well with others. The city has begged for the move to arbitration. That gives the elected, do-nothings, the cover and smoke to pass the responsibility. But on the other hand -- the union leaders have no respect for the elected officials. That respect has been squandered. Spoiled. Rotten. And they have seen their ways unfold in many instances.
Trust is gone.
Jim Roddey should be sending out these memos. But, he needs to be doing more to right the situations. He should be outraged at other issues too. Some issues are not just for tears -- but are for actions that mend, fix and heal.
The healing for this city and the region happens when we get new people in office and these people have new priorities.
Tough love counts here. And, the unions need to know that the people are worthy of playing well with others. The city has begged for the move to arbitration. That gives the elected, do-nothings, the cover and smoke to pass the responsibility. But on the other hand -- the union leaders have no respect for the elected officials. That respect has been squandered. Spoiled. Rotten. And they have seen their ways unfold in many instances.
Trust is gone.
Jim Roddey should be sending out these memos. But, he needs to be doing more to right the situations. He should be outraged at other issues too. Some issues are not just for tears -- but are for actions that mend, fix and heal.
Oversight board accuses city of pursuing fat deals with police, fire unions The contract actions -- which could not be independently confirmed yesterday -- show a 'total lack of cooperation' and a 'total disregard for what we understood to be the common goal of determining the best interest of the city,' the letter from the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority said.
'We believe that the citizens of the City as well as the hundreds of thousands of non-residents who come to the City each day including the workers who now pay a $52 annual occupation tax deserve better,' the board told lawmakers.
'Most important, under these circumstances, we must inform you that the ICA can no longer provide you with the assurance of financial stability for the City of Pittsburgh.'
Mayoral spokesman Craig Kwiecinski said the city has not entered into a contract with the Fraternal Order of Police. Rather, an arbitration panel handed down a contract award last month that is still under review by city officials.
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